Female Resilience is Mirrored in the Story of Anna Lemus
It was 35 years ago that Anna Elizabeth Lemus came to the United States with a head full of dreams. During her first marriage her three children were born. The family settled in the city of Anaheim, in southern California. She was a caregiver for the elderly and picked strawberries in the fields. This is how she received her work permit during the last amnesty.
Her goal of becoming a cosmetologist was something she treasured in her heart. She accomplished it when her marriage came to an end. “I got out of a violent 16-year relationship so I could study.” While she was studying cosmetology, she also worked for the cleaning area at Disneyland Park. “It was a huge sacrifice because I had to take care of my children while I was studying and working, but I received professional help and learned to respect and love myself and do what I set out to do in life.” Anna worked as a stylist in various salons, until she thought it was time to take the next step, become a cosmetology teacher. Her recognition came when she was a teacher and stylist at the renowned Colleen O’Hara beauty academy, in Santa Ana, California. In 2014, her oldest son was on a military mission in Alaska. He invited her to visit the state and Anna was pleasantly surprised by the kindness of the people and the beautiful landscapes. Fairbanks became her home. “I’ve lived here for 9 years, and I also met my partner too.” “I met a good man, Pedro, he is now my husband. He motivated me to open my own beauty salon and we got it started using credit cards.” In 2018 they started the business, and Anna began her personal brand by giving her name to the salon. “We opened on February 14, 2019. We had a pair of scissors, two hair cutting machines, chairs, and a great desire to work. God granted me my dream.” The key to her success is “working with honesty and from the heart”. Offering the same quality service to everyone equally.” Her next goal is to open a second beauty salon. Anna’s Hair Salon is located at 455, 3rd Avenue, Suite C106. To make an appointment, call 907-7507346. |